👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Destin | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQsI’ve been living in Destin, Florida, for the last five years with my husband, and we love calling the Emerald Coast home. Despite the name, Okaloosa Island isn’t an actual island – it’s connected to Destin and Fort Walton Beach by two different bridges. Check out the Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach by IHG or Beal House Fort Walton Beach, Tapestry Collection By Hilton. Destin doesn’t have a huge nightlife scene, but the Downtown Destin area would be your best bet. Although Destin is popular with tourists, you can stay in the Navarre Beach area, just west of Destin.